relocate

American  

[ree-loh-keyt, ree-loh-keyt] / riˈloʊ keɪt, ˌri loʊˈkeɪt /

verb (used with object)

relocated, relocating

1. to move (a building, company, etc.) to a different location.

   plans to relocate the firm to Houston.

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verb (used without object)

relocated, relocating

1. to change one's residence or place of business; move.

   Next year we may relocate to Denver.

relocate British  

/ ˌriːləʊˈkeɪt /

verb

1. to move or be moved to a new place, esp (of an employee, a business, etc) to a new area or place of employment

2. (intr) (of an employee, a business, etc) to move for reasons of business to a new area or place of employment

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Other Word Forms

• relocation noun

Etymology

Origin of relocate

An Americanism dating back to 1825–35; re- + locate

Explanation

When you relocate, you move to a new location and settle into a new place. If you live in New York City but you get a job in Phoenix, you'll have to relocate to Arizona to start your new career. The word relocate came into English in the 1800s from re, meaning "back, again," and locate, meaning "to settle." Relocate refers not only to moving to a new place but also to establishing yourself there. It typically involves finding a new place to live, making new friends, finding your way around your new town or city — even getting cable TV installed. For some people, this can be an exciting adventure; for others, it's a daunting challenge of to-do lists.

Example Sentences

In 2020, demand for self-storage spiked as the pandemic caused millions of Americans to relocate or convert basements and garages into living quarters or home offices.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

I save about $10,000 annually to build a home in my home country, where I plan to relocate and live for at least five years before deciding whether to return.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 8, 2026

The Defense Department responded by saying it would instead relocate media offices to an “annex” outside the Pentagon.

From Salon • Apr. 8, 2026

James created a bit of controversy when he said on “Bob Does Sports” YouTube video that Memphis should relocate to Nashville.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 4, 2026

I’d be willing to relocate to New York City.

From "Better Nate Than Ever" by Tim Federle